John, a mentally handicapped adult, is charged with arson. Upon hearing the court-appointed psychologist's report and reviewing the defendant's documented history of mental illness, the judge dismissed the criminal charges. By obtaining the facts and then using objective reasoning to most effectively reach a decision, the judge is exhibiting:

critical thinking

Explanation:

Critical thinking: The term "critical thinking" is described as the analysis of certain facts to form or made a particular judgement regarding the same. Critical thinking generally encompasses the skeptical, rational, evaluation, or unbiased analysis of factual evidence.

Critical thinking skills: Explanation, analysis, self-regulation, interpretation, problem-solving, inference, and open-mindedness.

In the question above, the judge is exhibiting "critical thinking".

are there actual statements because if not my answer would be: that using the five senses the author can create a sense of worth in an object to appeal to the reader and create meaning.